So you are going to put your dog (pet) on a plane...

This can be a most difficult  and scary process and I hope this information will save you some time and worry.

First you need to purchase an airline approved kennel/crate.

This crate should be purchased as soon as you know you are going to travel.

It needs to be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in comfortably.

Next lets gather the items to make the trip a safe and comfortable one.

I recomended the following:

Underpad bedliners

Just in case they have to go, but they most likely will not

(can be found in any drug store used for incontinace control - DO NOT use the kind found in the pet section! These are used to train pet to GO to the bathroom and are scented with an aid that lures them to the mat to potty)

Nice thick plush carpet remnats

(doormat size) - this gives them a safe padded place to lay. Stay away from wood shavings, newspaper or shredded paper this may cuase choking!  you can find this at your local carpet center, dollar store or use a car floor mat.

Water, water, water!

The more the better, by the time you see you pet at your destination they will be lucky to still have their water bottle! I gave my dogs two water bottles each and when we arrived they had no water and no water bottles. The only thing left was two metal brackets that used to hold the bottles in place.

I recomend two half gallon - 64oz size for the larger pets.

Please use zip ties to secure this to the kennel door or you may not see them again.

Fill them with water and freeze them the night before your trip.

Like I said before purchase your kennel as far in advance as you can to give your pet a chance to be comfortable with it and get used to drinking from the water bottle.

Put your crate together, lay out the underpad on the crate floor, then add the carpet for comfort.

Hang the water bottle, and place the water cup that came with the kennel under the bottle to catch any water that leaks out.

At this time you will want to remove your pets old bed & water source.

After a few days of training start to close the kennel door at night so they are used to being confined.

Preparing for the big day

The day before lighten up on meals and treats but make sure they get lots of water.

The days of, give only a little food and plenty of water up until 3 hours of the flight time.

Make sure you have your pets collar on, you should have contact info for your departure and arrive destination, this information should also be on the kennel itself, along with the flight info, a ziplock bag of food, vaccine documents etc.

Try to take your dog to potty just before you check them in.

DO NOT give them any toys, rawhides. blankets or anything at all for the flight! They may choke on these items.

This worked for me and training them in advance to love their crate makes your pet feel comforted and safe dealing with the unfamilerairtes of airports and the plane itself.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I am not a professional writer just someone who loves my dogs. I hope this guide was helpful!

Have a great flight!

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